BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.—Music teachers are now eligible for a Grammy honor of their own.

Recording Academy president Neil Portnow says the group has established a music educator award that will be presented for the first time next year.

Portnow announced the new award Thursday at the Grammy Foundation's 15th annual Music Preservation Project event at the Saban Theatre.

"We're dedicated to preserving the great music of the past, present and future," he said. "Music education is perhaps the most vital part of the Grammy Foundation's mission."

Kindergarten through college teachers are eligible for the new annual award, which will be presented at a special ceremony the day before the Grammy Awards.

Musician George Thorogood performs at "Play It Forward: A Celebration of Music's Evolution and Influencers" at the Grammy Foundation's 15th Annual Music Preservation Project, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Invision/AP) (Musician George Thorogood performs at "Play It Forward: A Celebration of Music's Evolution and Influencers" at the Grammy Foundation's 15th Annual Music Preservation Project, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Invision/AP))

Students and colleagues can nominate candidates online.

Thursday's event, dubbed "Play it Forward," featured performances by Dionne Warwick, LeAnn Rimes, Emmylou Harris, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Yolanda Adams and Lupe Fiasco, who is up for best rap album at this year's Grammys.

Adams, who performed two rousing songs backed by a gospel choir, thanked the Grammy Foundation "for preserving the authenticity of all music."